fgwrich
Established Member
Apologies for it being a Link from the Scotsman, however concept details and images (Including another new livery for ScotRail) have now been revealed. Apart from the slightly odd / cafe counter - and replacing the rather comfortable Richmond seats with ironing boards, they actually look rather nice.
https://www.scotsman.com/news/trans...aloXZQ-V2L23GJaBHtvOrKCDDfFdeNQISUgEbxFDegTBE
https://www.scotsman.com/news/trans...aloXZQ-V2L23GJaBHtvOrKCDDfFdeNQISUgEbxFDegTBE
Their vivid red and blue livery would herald a new era in train travel for cyclists and snowsports fans, providing much-needed extra space to reach the Highlands by rail. Initial concept designs for Britain’s first carriages reserved for outdoor equipment have been leaked to Scotland on Sunday, showing a multipurpose interior complete with catering galley. Concept designs showing train carriages converted to carry bikes and snowboards. The internal presentation to ScotRail staff details space for 20 bikes in an area which replaces half the seats, with racks at one end for snowboards and skis. The plans show foldable shelving that could be used for other luggage instead. Ministers hope the first of five carriages will enter service next summer, coupled to existing trains. A galley area with bean-to-cup coffee machine and display fridge for sandwiches and cold drinks is also in the designs. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads ScotRail hopes to have the first service operating on the Fort William line next summer. However, the contract for the conversion work has yet to be awarded, which might put back its planned introduction on the Glasgow-Oban line in May. The final design may also change significantly and there are “no firm timescales” for its completion. The other four carriages are due to follow in summer 2020, when they would also operate on the Glasgow-Fort William and Mallaig line, and those between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh and Wick/Thurso. They were ordered to ease overcrowding on the routes, where passengers can struggle to find space for their bikes. The trains are planned to have a cafe on board. John McCormick, chairman of the Scottish Association of Public Transport, said: “They will be a welcome addition, providing some additional seating and an additional toilet, as well as the cycle spaces, for Glasgow-Oban services where demand has been increasing and overcrowding occurs on some services in summer.” Doug Carmichael, chairman of the Friends of the West Highland Lines, said: “The conversion is well thought out and the café hub is an excellent idea.”
Read more at: https://www.scotsman.com/news/trans...aloXZQ-V2L23GJaBHtvOrKCDDfFdeNQISUgEbxFDegTBE